Texas Instruments TPS84210EVM-002

Overview

TPS84210EVM-002 from Texas Instruments is an evaluation module for the TPS84210 2-A synchronous buck DC/DC power module, designed to accelerate development of point-of-load power supplies with output voltages from 0.8 V to 3.6 V, switching frequencies from 500 kHz to 2 MHz, and up to 96% efficiency at 3.3-V output. It supports remote sensing, programmable UVLO, power-good signaling, and output voltage sequencing - enabling rapid validation in FPGA, DSP, and compact PCI applications.

For engineers reviewing the TPS84210EVM-002 datasheet, TPS84210EVM-002 setup guide, TPS84210EVM-002 test procedure, or TPS84210EVM-002 schematic, this module provides a fully assembled, tested reference design with accessible test points, jumper-configurable settings (VOUT, fSW, sequencing), and documented thermal performance under natural convection - critical for evaluating layout, transient response, and thermal derating before custom PCB spin.

Technical Context

The TPS84210EVM-002 implements the TPS84210RKG power module in a QFN-39 (11.0 mm × 9.0 mm) package with integrated MOSFETs, inductor, and passives. It uses a current-mode control architecture with internal compensation, supporting external frequency synchronization via the RT/CLK pin and output voltage tracking via SS/TR and STSEL pins.

Key implementation features include AGND/PGND separation with single-point connection at the PowerPAD, remote sense routing (SENSE+ to load), and configurable INH/UVLO threshold using an external resistor divider - all validated per TI's recommended layout guidelines and EMI-compliant design practices per EN55022 Class B.

Key Specifications

Availability

TPS84210EVM-002 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, DSP point-of-load conversion, and compact PCI Express board development requiring stable component supply, fast prototyping turnaround, and production-ready reference design validation.

Supply support for TPS84210EVM-002 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of expertise in high-reliability power solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The TPS84210 product line delivers fully integrated, thermally enhanced DC/DC power modules targeting high-efficiency, low-footprint point-of-load regulation for performance-critical digital loads like FPGAs and DSPs - eliminating magnetics selection and loop compensation effort.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the TPS84210EVM-002?

The TPS84210EVM-002 is an evaluation module for the TPS84210 power module, providing a ready-to-use hardware platform to validate electrical performance, thermal behavior, and system integration of the 2-A synchronous buck converter. It includes all necessary input/output capacitors, test points, and configuration jumpers - enabling immediate bench testing without custom PCB design. The TPS84210EVM-002 directly demonstrates the TPS84210's capabilities in real-world conditions.

Does the TPS84210EVM-002 support remote sensing?

Yes, the TPS84210EVM-002 implements remote sensing via the SENSE+ pin (pin 36 of the TPS84210RKG), with dedicated routing to the load-side VOUT test point. This allows precise regulation at the point of load by compensating for IR drop across PCB traces - critical for maintaining tight voltage tolerance (<±1.5%) under dynamic load conditions. The TPS84210EVM-002 schematic and layout follow TI's recommended remote-sense implementation.

Can the TPS84210EVM-002 be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes, the TPS84210EVM-002 supports external clock synchronization through the RT/CLK pin (pin 4 of the TPS84210RKG). When an external clock signal (500 kHz–2 MHz, TTL/CMOS compatible) is applied, the TPS84210 automatically enters CLK mode - enabling noise-sensitive systems to avoid beat frequencies and meet strict EMI requirements. The TPS84210EVM-002 includes a dedicated SMA connector and series resistor for clean clock injection into the TPS84210.

What output voltage configurations are supported out-of-the-box on the TPS84210EVM-002?

The TPS84210EVM-002 ships with default RSET and RRT resistors configured for 3.3-V output at 1.5-MHz switching frequency, but includes multiple solder pads and zero-ohm jumpers to support quick reconfiguration for 1.2 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V outputs - each with corresponding optimized timing resistors per TI's application data. All configurations maintain full 2-A capability and validated thermal performance. The TPS84210EVM-002 user guide documents each setting.

How does the TPS84210EVM-002 handle thermal management during full-load operation?

The TPS84210EVM-002 uses the TPS84210RKG's exposed PowerPAD (PGND, pin 37) soldered directly to a large internal copper plane, connected via ≥12 thermal vias to inner-layer ground planes - achieving the specified 12°C/W θJA. At 2-A load and 85°C ambient, surface temperature rise remains within safe limits (<100°C) under natural convection, as verified by TI's thermal imaging data. The TPS84210EVM-002 layout strictly follows TI's thermal guidelines to replicate production-level thermal performance.